SOUTH AFRICA: The Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Narend Singh reaffirmed the government’s commitment to prioritise the aquaculture sector as well as the need to focus on technology and market demands during his address at the opening of the 15^th Aquaculture Association of South Africa Conference in Stellenbosch.

SOUTH AFRICA: The Department of Transport (DoT) has published the draft Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue Bill with provides for the establishment of the South African Search and Rescue Organisation (SASARO) and is inviting public comments.

SOUTH AFRICA: The Aerospace Industry Support Initiative (AISI) has once again launched a call for maritime companies to apply to participate in their Marine Supplier Development Programme which aims to provide assistance to manufacturers and service providers requiring support in obtaining standards and accreditations.

SEYCHELLES: Seychelles will be assuming the role of Chair of the Contact Group on Illicit Maritime Activities (CGIMA), following the Contact Group’s second plenary meeting on 5 September.

SIERRA LEONE: Contributing over 10 percent to Sierra Leone’s GDP, the fishing sector will now benefit from the newly acquired Fish Export Certificate from the People’s Republic of China which was granted following the signing of the Protocol on Inspection, Quarantine, and Sanitary Requirements for Wild Aquatic Products, enabling Sierra Leone to directly export its fish products to China.

UGANDA: The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) has documented at lease 81 arrests of activists protesting oil projects in the country’s Lake Albert region since May of this year and is calling for the end to the clampdown on civil society by the Ugandan authorities.

SOUTH AFRICA: Following on the delivery of five new tugs for the Port of Durban last month, Transnet National Ports Authority celebrated the arrival of a further two tugs for the Port of East London.

SOUTH AFRICA: Companies looking for a footprint in the Port of Durban currently have the opportunity to bid on nine available properties of various sizes and locations for lease periods ranging from five to 15 years.